The holiday break offers high school boys basketball teams the perfect opportunity to travel and entertain new opponents. But often, the tournaments offer much more than a different competitor.
For coach Josh Pratt?s Towson Catholic squad, the Stop DWI Classic in Binghamton, N.Y., was a valuable experience on many levels.
“They bring speakers in who have lost kids due to drunk driving, and they talked about drugs and drunk driving,” Pratt said. “Its really well-organized.”
The educational value in the seminars surrounding the tournament made theStop DWI Classic a great event. Combine that with a 5,000-seat arena and a festive atmosphere, and the Owls (10-2) had quite a catch in their tournament choice.
There was also a slam-dunk contest Wednesday, which Towson Catholic 6-foot-10 senior Donte Greene won.
The Owls were the tournament runner-up after losing to Boys and Girls High School from New York City, 73-71, in Saturday night?s final. Aside from the value of a few more notches in the win column, the Owls? trip was rewarding.
“It makes you appreciative of everything you have,” Pratt said.
Greene scored 14 fourth-quarter points for 26 total in the final game, while his cousin, junior Brandon Greene, had two double-doubles in a solid tournament effort.
“They prepare you for league play,” Pratt said of the tournament competition.
Towson Catholic hosts St. Frances Tuesday at 7 p.m. in a key Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association game.
“I think it motivates us more. After a loss, it?s a reality check,” Pratt said. “Now you know you have to play hard every minute of every possession.”
St. Frances (9-2) was busy playing in Florida at the Daytona Beach Christmas Classic. The Panthers took third in the tournament, losing to eventual champion Monsignor Farrell (N.Y.) in the semifinals, 43-40.
“It?s a good experience,” St. Frances coach William Wells said. “Good trip, good tournament.”
He said the team will practice today in preparation for Tuesday?s game against Towson Catholic.
“We?ve got to keep working,” Wells said. “I?m looking for a good game.”
